Opening Song - 'Done Enough Cryin'' by Mary J. Blige

Bliss' POV

I was already heartbroken, but now I have no idea what I am. I can't believe Andrea, and I watched our grandma die in front of us. We stood outside her room, embracing each other and crying our eyes out. Julian and Jessica came to join us.

"We watched her die, Julian. She is gone." I was about to pass out right in the hospital. Julian helped me up, then we all walked to the waiting room.

We all waited until grandpa came back from talking with the doctor. This is devastating. Four years ago, we lost mom and dad. Now, we lose grandma? This year has been the pits. 2020 can't get here soon enough.

Two hours later, grandpa came back to the waiting room. "I have a copy of grandma's death certificate. Now, we need to find a funeral home. Let's go back to the house, everyone."

I caught up with my grandpa. "Grandpa, can I pay for grandma's funeral?"

"Sweetie, you don't have to."

"Grandpa, I want to. Please?"

He stopped and kissed my forehead. "Thank you, sweetheart."

We all got in our vehicles and went to my grandpa's house. While driving, "Bliss, I called mom and dad. They will be here as soon as they can. She said she would get in touch with Layla and her family."

"Thanks, Carly."

When we pulled up to the house, there was already a crowd. We parked the trucks and went inside the house. "Chloe, I am warning you right now - none of that foolishness with Bliss. Leave her alone, or else I will put you out of the house. Understand?" Grandpa sternly warned her.

"Yes, grandpa," she said as we entered and sat in the living room.

"Listen up, everyone. Your mother, grandmother, aunt, and great-grandma lived a fulfilling life. She would not want you all sitting around, moping. From this day on, throw away whatever jealousy, dislike, and hatred you may have felt towards one another. Now is the time for us to get together, be supportive, and love one another. Do that for me, please? Bliss, sweetie, follow me."

Grandpa turned on his computer, and we searched for funeral homes in Saint Lucy. There was one, so grandpa had me jot down the number. He called for an appointment. They were able to schedule the appointment for the next day in the morning. Grandpa thanked them and hung up the phone.

"I'll be here tomorrow morning, grandpa."

"Thanks again, sweetie."

The news that grandma passed had spread fast. Suddenly, the house was packed with food and friends of the family.

I tried to find a quiet spot so that I could be alone. I eventually ended up in mom's old room. I just sat there on the floor and cried. I heard my phone ringing and saw that it was Layla.

****************

Layla: "I'm so sorry, Bliss. We are flying to Florida. Then, we are coming along with Cris and Kam on their jet. I told Mr. Black too. He is going to come too. My parents and Ryan's parents are going to come to the funeral. We told Grayson too. He is also coming, along with Christina, Erica, and Gunner."

Bliss: "Thanks, Layla. My grandpa and I are going to make her arrangements tomorrow. She died right in front of Andrea and me. My heart was already broken. But, now, it is shattered. He told us not to sit around and be sad, but how could I? When you guys arrive, give me a call. I want all of you to stay at my house with me."

Layla: "You got it, babe. We are going to do all we can to make you smile. We should be there on Thursday."

Bliss: "Okay. Thank you. And I can't wait to see you guys."

After talking with Layla, I just stayed in mom's old room. I just decided to lie down on my mom's old bed. Then, I fell asleep.

********

"Bliss!! Bliss!!" I heard my name called several times. When I opened my eyes, it was Mason.

"Do you want to stay or go to your house? Shane's parents are about to land."

I checked what time it was, and my phone said it was 11:00 pm. "I'll go back to my house. Can you drive?"

"Sure. Where are your keys?"

"In my bag on the floor." Mason picked up my bag and grabbed my keys.

"I will say goodbye to my grandpa and be right out."

Yup, I am definitely going SUV shopping after making funeral arrangements tomorrow. After getting up off the bed, I went to find my grandpa. He was sitting in his favorite chair in the living room.

"Grandpa, I am heading back to my house. I will be back here in the morning. What time do you want me to come?"

"Be here by 9:00 am. And, sweetheart, get yourself a plate to eat on your way home. You were sleeping so peacefully I didn't want to wake you up. I want you to eat, sweetie. I know you are hurting. I don't ever want you to stop eating."

"Thank you, grandpa. And I promise you that I will eat something." I kissed him on his cheek. Then, I went to fix a plate. As soon as I got my appetite back after breaking up with Shane, I was back to not wanting to eat again. My grandpa even entered the kitchen to ensure I fixed a plate of food. I can't break my promise.

After making a plate, I went to ride with Mason and Andrea. "We are stopping at the airport first, then returning to the house."

So, I let Andrea sit up front. I am just too tired. So I fell asleep.

**************

We were pulling up to my house the next time I woke up. I tried to stand up, but I couldn't. My legs felt like jelly. Someone grabbed my plate of food and bag, and someone else carried me inside the house, upstairs to my room.

I didn't care that the last thing I ate was breakfast. I'll eat something tomorrow. I just wanted to lie down on my bed and fall asleep.

************

My internal clock woke me up around 5:15 am. So, I just got up, put on a robe, and watched television. I heard a knock on the door. "Come in."

It was mom, Adrian. "You were knocked out in the car, so Brently and I rode with Julian." She sat down, and I sat up and pulled her into a hug. Then, I cried whatever tears I had left. She started rubbing my back.

"Honey, I am so sorry your grandma passed away. Carly said you and Andrea were in the room when it happened. We will stay for as long as you need us. And I need to tell you that child of mine came a week early. I hope you haven't seen him."

"I think I did when we picked up Carly and Julian. I feel like I was chosen to be miserable."

Adrian's POV

I am going to wring Shane's neck. He broke Bliss; now she loses her grandma? I grabbed a pillow from the couch and placed it on my lap. "Sweetie, lay your head on the pillow. What were your plans for today?"

"I was going with my grandpa to make funeral arrangements for my grandma, but I don't think I can. I do want to pay for it. And, I wanted to buy myself an SUV to keep here in Barbados."

"I'll call Marcus. He will understand, honey. Maybe you can stop by the funeral home later today. I will go with you. We are not going to leave you alone. Guess what? Nana and Grampa saw your billboards with Marco in London. They also saw the ones with Grayson. They love it and are proud of you. Try and get some rest. I'll come back and check on you."

Bliss dragged herself back to her bedroom. Her house is fantastic. And the master suite is like a mini apartment.

I went back to my room. "Brently, remind me to call Marcus before 8:00 am. Bliss is in no shape to go with him. The poor child thinks she was chosen to be miserable."

"All thanks to Alexander first, and now Shane."

"Exactly. We have to tell Shane that we are here because he thinks we are back in New York. Might as well get it over with now." I dialed his number.

*******

Shane: "Mum, do you know what time it is?"

Adrian: "Yes, I do know what time it is. I was calling to tell you that we flew to Barbados last night."

I paused before telling him why.

Adrian: "Shane, Bliss' grandmother passed away. Bliss and Andrea watched their grandma die in the hospital. And Bliss thinks she was chosen to be miserable. She is hurting, Shane. She eats sporadically. I know you have seen her billboards. Behind that smile, Bliss is really hurting."

The phone went silent.

Adrian: "Shane, say something."

He didn't say anything, not a peep. I wanted to smack him through the phone after what he said.

Shane: "And who is in charge of the company?"

Is he seriously worried about the company?! Didn't he just hear what I said?!

Adrian: "Wyatt is in charge, and we have the file for the company trip. But, didn't you hear what I said about Bliss?!"

Shane: "Not my concern anymore. I'll see you next week at the hotel."

Adrian: "Shane, what the heck are you talking about?! You should be concerned because it is you and Alexander's fault!!!"

******

Then the idiot hung up the phone.

"Shane has officially lost his darn mind. He had the audacity to say it was not his concern regarding what I said about Bliss. Unbelievable!!"

"I just may consider an early retirement. He is getting out of hand. Shane ruined the best relationship he had. And he is not telling anyone why. I am still scratching my head on that one."

"Screw, Shane. Bliss needs our support right now. I might as well call Marcus now."

**************

Narrator's POV

Adrian called Marcus, and he understood why Bliss was not coming. He will call later to check on Bliss.

Later in the day, Bliss, along with Julian and Mason, went to the car dealerships. Bliss got herself a 2020 Cadillac Escalade. She likes the Aviator and went to that dealership as well. And got her one of them too.

The guys drove with Bliss so she could pay for her grandma's funeral arrangements. The viewing will be held on Friday, November 1st. And the service and burial will be held Saturday, November 2nd.

Julian and Mason had to beg Bliss to eat something because, once again, she did not want to eat.

Layla called Bliss to tell her they would be arriving around noon, and they had already rented vehicles to ride around town. Bliss told her she would wait for them at the private airport strip.

*********

Bliss' POV

I love this Aviator from the last time I visited, so I had to get one. I have splurged so much in the last two months. Julian rode with me to the airport. We are just waiting for their plane to land, which will be soon.

Twenty minutes later, we saw at least 3 SUVs pull up to the plane that had just landed. That must be them. So, I pulled up right beside the Range Rover. Then we got out as soon as we saw Layla walk off the plane first.

I walked over to her. And it seemed like we hugged for 20 minutes. Layla let me cry on her shoulder.

"I'm so sorry, Bliss. We will help you through this. Cris's parents came with us too. And Kam's dad. He said remember your trip to Hawaii. If you feel like getting away, let him know, and he will make sure you are taken care of. Everybody on that plane loves you and is here to support you."

"Thank you for coming. The worst part was watching her die. And then, while we were at the hospital, my cousin threw it in my face that I was dumped. I punched her right in her face."

"Why would she do that?!"

"She is always jealous of what me, Jessica, and Andrea always had. Speaking of dumped, Adrian said Shane is in town, a week ahead of the company trip."

"Is he now?" Kam's dad said with an evil grin and pounded his fists together as he descended off the plane.

One by one, I hugged everybody that came - Marco, Cris, Kam, Noeli, Isabela, Antonio, Kalani, Ryan, Austin, and Grayson. And, of course, my kiddos.

Grayson was the last one to hug me, and I held on to him the longest. He squeezed me tight. He started caressing my back, and it felt nice. I will do what my grandma said and give Grayson a chance. "Thank you for coming."

"You're welcome, Bliss. Of course, I was coming. I'm sorry about your grandmother."

"Where are Christina, Gunner, and Erica?"

"They are coming tomorrow afternoon."

"Okay. I'll make sure someone picks them up."

"Aunt Bliss, can I ride with you?" After finally letting go of Grayson, I saw Rocco looking at me.

"Of course, you can, sweetie. Cris, do you guys have booster seats? I totally forgot to buy some."

"We brought some with us on the plane."

"Okay. Some of your luggage can go in my trunk. Grayson, you can ride with Julian and me."

I felt another pair of hands tap me. I looked down, and it was Devin. He said, "Ride with you?"

"Of course." Devin let me pick him up, and I held him tight. "Cris, I need Devin's seat too. I'm sure you guys are hungry, so we'll get you something in Bridgetown."

We loaded up the trucks. I gave Julian my keys to drive. I broke my grandpa's promise. He is going to be disappointed. I have barely eaten since my grandma passed. That's not good.

I felt myself feeling dizzy and light-headed and Grayson noticed it.

"Bliss, are you okay?"

"Not really. I have barely eaten anything since my grandma passed. I am starving, so I'll eat something wherever we go."

Julian, Mason, Ryan, and Kalani gave me a dirty look. I'm in big trouble.

***********

Julian found a steakhouse, so that is where we went. And you will not guess who I sat next to - Grayson. I am supposed to be focusing on myself and my career. But I find myself thinking about him alot since our date in New York. That cologne he is wearing is driving me insane and he knows it. Every time he glances at me, he smiles at me.

We had a good time, and they made sure to make me laugh. I did because Marco and Cris are hilarious when they get together.

I told the waiter ahead of time to give me the check for the table. And, boy, did I make up for not eating. I ate every piece of meat that was sliced on my plate.

They all gave me a stern lecture about not eating, especially Kalani. So, I promised them that I would do better.

"There is a Starbucks around the corner. Would anyone like to come? I could use the walk after what I ate."

"I can ride with Cris, and we will take the kids home. I'll need Devin and Rocco's seat out of your truck."

"We will come with you, Bliss. Before I forget, Janiyah, Griffin, and Niko are coming on Saturday."

"Thanks, Layla."

Layla, Kam, Ryan, Grayson, and Austin came with me. Kalani came with us too. I unlocked the Aviator, and Julian grabbed the seats. Then, I locked it.

As soon as we turned around, I was pissed. We saw Shane sitting at an outdoor cafe with freaking Mikayla!!

"Bliss, whatever you are thinking, don't do it." I heard Ryan say, but it was too late. I marched over to the table, grabbed whatever drink he had, and poured it over Shane's head.

"You dumped me for her?! I cried and cried over you! And here you are with freaking Mikayla!"

"What is your problem?!!" He says as he looks at me angrily.

Ryan yelled, "Shane, are you for real?! I warned you about her! But you ignored it!! She will leech every ounce of money you have until there is none!"

"Hey, not my problem; you didn't give him what he wanted. Looks like he upgraded to me." I grabbed a bottle of wine from another table.

"Sorry, I'll buy you another bottle."

I sure did pour it right on Mikayla. "You witch!!! Look at what you did!!"

"Shut up! Shane, do you have any idea what I have gone through because of you?! I went for days not eating and crying, wondering what I did for you to hurt me! I swore off all men because of you! Before I watched my grandma die, she told me don't give up on love because every guy is not like you! I loved you. Didn't that mean anything to you?"

He replied with ease, "No, it didn't mean anything to me. And I will never, ever date a leech-like Mikayla. I can't stand her. How she got down to Barbados, I have no clue. What I do with my life and who I date if I choose to is none of your concern."

Everybody was just as angry as I was. I smacked him right across his face. "I can't stand you. Stay away from me forever! I will not shed another tear for you, Shane Landes! I'm done!"

Kam's dad took it further. Kalani is way taller than Shane. Kalani lifted Shane out of his chair by his shirt collar. "Listen to me loud and clear, Landes, stay away from Bliss. I don't appreciate the way you hurt her!! I couldn't wait to get my hands on you. If I hear you are bothering Bliss, I will hunt you down and hurt you! And you don't want that!" He shoved Shane back in his seat.

"Trust me, staying away from her will not be a problem. Excuse me. Mikayla, stay the heck away from me!" He brushed past me and walked away. I was shocked and hurt at the same time.

"Is that the same man who was madly in love with you, Bliss? What happened to him?" Layla says, totally puzzled by what just happened.

"Excuse you, but you are paying for my outfit!"

"Shut your jealous behind up, Mikayla!! You are pathetic and desperate! I am not paying for anything. You got what you deserved."

Before we left, I paid for the other table's bottle of wine and got them a fresh bottle. Then, we started walking to Starbucks, but this dumb chick put her hands on me. "I suggest you take your hands off me before they get broken off."

Kalani scowled at her. "You heard what she said!!!"

Then we finally walked to Starbucks. "I am not wasting another tear on Shane! I am done!!"

***************

Thank you for reading chapter 38.

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